Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately deploy personnel to inspect infrastructure affected by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Mindanao on Friday afternoon.

The undersea tectonic quake occurred at a depth of 72 kilometers (km) and 34 km northwest of Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental at around 4:14 p.m. Friday. 

"While there are only minor damage apparent now, it is important to ensure that no structural damage were sustained by buildings and bridges," Revilla, chairman of the public works committee, explained.

"Kaya nga agad nating inatasan ang DPWH na siguruhing ligtas ang mga struktura (That's why we immediately told DPWH to make sure that the structures are safe)," he added.

The lawmaker also urged the DPWH to conduct a continuous assessment of vital public infrastructure throughout the country to ensure the public's safety.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a 6.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Davao Occidental on Friday afternoon, Nov. 17.

It was initially recorded as a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, but this was later revised to a 6.8-magnitude quake.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

The agency said that there was no tsunami threat due to the earthquake. However, it said that earthquakes of this size may generate unusual sea level disturbances that may be observed along coasts near the earthquake epicenter of Davao Occidental.